Maddie Sievers

Abraham Lincoln, who is widely known as one of the most famous presidents of the United States of America, is a great portrayal of how someone’s background, while it does shape their character, doesn’t have to affect their future if they have the determination to change it. Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin and moved three times during his childhood. He was almost entirely self-educated, and lost his mother at the age of nine. Several of his neighbors and family considered him lazy.
Although he faced a lot of challenges, there were a lot of things that had a heavy influence on Lincoln’s unique individuality. Living in free states all his childhood led him to be against slavery; attending Baptist churches resulted in his strong beliefs and morals; having to teach himself and having an uneducated father gave him a stronger desire to read and learn.
Despite his struggles, Lincoln managed to forge his way to a career in law. Having such ambition drove him to pursue politics, and he eventually, although after several defeats, became the sixteenth president of the United States. Even though many people thought his political standpoint was arguable, Lincoln stood for what he believed, and in doing so he had the great victory of abolishing slavery.
Had it not been for Lincoln’s upbringing and ambition, he would not have become the person that this country respects and admires to this day. Anyone with circumstances that they aren’t happy with can find inspiration from Lincoln because he is a great example of how far a person can go if they are willing enough to do so.
Maddie Sievers
Fisher Jr./Sr. High School
Fisher, IL